Shibu's Tail By Tess Thomas

A tender, relatable story for little ones learning that big feelings are nothing to hide.

Shibu the cat feels everything—joy, frustration, excitement, worry—and his fluffy tail proudly shows it all. But when Shibu notices the other cats keeping their feelings tucked away, he begins to wonder if fitting in means shrinking himself. This thoughtful picture book gently explores emotional expression, self-acceptance, and the courage it takes to be exactly who you are.

Warm, honest, and beautifully told, Shibu’s Tail opens the door to meaningful conversations about emotions—for children and the grown-ups who love them.

• Celebrates big feelings: Validates the full range of emotions little ones experience, without judgment or pressure to “tone it down.”

• Encourages self-expression: Reassures children that showing how they feel is healthy, brave, and deeply human.

• Perfect for emotional learning: A gentle starting point for conversations about empathy, belonging, and emotional awareness.

• Debut voices to watch: A heartfelt story from two exciting new creators, filled with warmth and insight.

• A beautiful gift: Ideal for toddlers, preschoolers, classrooms, or any child navigating feelings in a big world.

At Dearly, we choose stories that help children feel understood, connected, and confidently themselves. A comforting reminder—for kids and adults alike—that feelings don’t need fixing or hiding. They simply need space to be seen.

About Levine Querido